James T. Presley

James T. Presley

“Big Jim”

Age 83, of Eaton, Ohio passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at The Hospice of Dayton. Jim was born February 20, 1942 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Robert Jefferson & Faye (Rhea) Presley.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of the past 61 years, Cheri (O’Brien) Presley; two children, Kelly (Thomas) Toney and Shannon (Marcia) Presley; four grandchildren, Sean (Ashley Seymour) Toney, Emily Toney, Tyler Presley & Bryant Presley; one great grandson, Halston Sands; and by his extended family & many good friends.

Jim graduated from Brilliant High School, Brilliant, Ohio in 1960. Where he excelled in football, basketball and track. Jim was All Ohio First Team for football in 1959, and All-Ohio First Team for basketball in 1960. Jim was personally recruited by Woody Hayes with full scholarship to Ohio State University. He eventually ended up studying and playing football at Memphis State University, where he met his wife, Cheri.

Jim retired from AGA Gas, and he and Cheri bought Whispering Pines Campground in Randolph, Ohio. He enjoyed owning and operating the campground, and of course all of the family and friends that were made during the 17 years that they were there. After selling the campground he and Cheri moved to Florida for 10 years, and just recently returned to Ohio.

Jim was inducted into the Brilliant High Hall of Fame in 2018, and inducted as The Greatest Athlete in school history in 2019. In 2023, Jim was inducted as a Legend, into the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Special thanks to his niece, Jeanette Forst, for speaking on his behalf and accepting his award.

Thank you to everyone in Blue Devil Nation for all of your love and support.

The family will be receiving friends from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 21st at Morton & Whetstone funeral home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia, Ohio. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm with Rev. Scott Snyder officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in memory of Jim to The Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420.